David Moyes has delivered a crushing double West Ham injury update for Arsenal as key duo are ruled out in bitter blow.
West Ham entertain Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday hoping to make it a hat-trick of wins this season.
But the Hammers have been dealt a big blow ahead of the match against the title-chasing Gunners.
Hopes had been high in the West Ham camp that talisman Lucas Paqueta – who injured his calf during the warm-up of the club’s 2-0 win over Arsenal back at the end of December – would make his big return at the London Stadium this weekend.
Moyes’ crushing double injury update for Arsenal
Last weekend David Moyes raised hopes that Paqueta could be back for Arsenal when he said he was now just ‘one or two weeks away’.
And Paqueta posted a message on social media at the start of the week teasing that he is on the verge of a comeback.
Hopes were also raised that Michail Antonio – who has been out since November – would be in contention to face the Gunners too having been pictured in full contact training.
But now Moyes has delivered a crushing double West Ham injury update for Arsenal as the key duo are ruled out.
No Paqueta or Antonio for Gunnners clash
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Moyes said neither Paqueta or Antonio are ready to return for his side.
“Lucas Paqueta isn’t ready yet,” Moyes said in a devastating update.
“Michail Antonio has started training, but has only trained for two days with the group.
“It’s great having him back training, but he’s still off it in terms of match fitness and being available.”
West Ham are not the same side without Paqueta. But they must remember they beat Arsenal without him as he lasted only 10 minutes of the reverse fixture.
The news comes amid a big TRIPLE boost for the Gunners and boss Mikel Arteta on the availability front for the Hammers clash.
It is the third instalment of the Declan Rice derby. And the former Hammers skipper has showed his class by contacting his old club ahead of the game.
Meanwhile so-called Arsenal super fan Piers Mogran has been goading West Ham fans over Rice ahead of the London derby.
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